Hello again!

Welcome back to the Weekend Read! If you’re new here - this is where we highlight underrated (and available!) IP that Hollywood buyers should be paying attention to.

This section is behind a a paywall now so we can focus on sharing IP that’s confirmed available for screen, but we’ll keep it redeemable for one free read. If you’re interested in more free content, please check out Last Week in IP or our Weekly Publishing Roundups (free when you sign up a friend!) Our previous Weekend Reads will also stay free.

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It’s still summer for a few more days! We’re still being carefree and having fun!! With that in mind, please please please indulge me in one more high fantasy book for the Weekend Read.

I know Hollywood is averse to high fantasy due to high production cost/smaller audiences/won’t read long books, but with Romantasy readers showing up to events with fistfulls cash and the FOURTH WING adaptation engineering brand new kinds of dragon related CGI, I think it’s in a producer’s best interest to keep tabs on the fantasy genre as a whole. Sure, the economy’s not great now, but when it bounces back don’t you want to be in good standing with the best fantasy authors?

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Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• The return of a beloved sci-fi fantasy author - not with the next book in her beloved series (unfortunately), but with a new venture that’s already taking the internet by storm.

• A supernatural thriller that takes place aboard a superyacht

• A YA mafia drama that brings the beloved WattPad subgenre to the mainstream

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

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Hello again!

Hope your week has started off well! Get in shape for the post-Labor Day season with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

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General Business Chitchat

Deadline gives us a full update on the tumultuous Amazon MGM/Sony GOD OF WAR adaptation.

The Hollywood Reporter unpacks what went into the adaptation of THE FIVE-STAR WEEKEND that made it so successful.

Variety explores Range Literary Publishing’s unique approach to the book-to-film (and sometimes film-to-book) pipeline.

The Hollywood reporter interviews author Anna Todd about her experience adapting THE LAST SUNRISE with Prime Video.

Crazy Legs productions has made a first look deal with The New York Post to develop IP from the tabloid’s archives.

Newly Announced Project

James Phillips’ acclaimed West End play MCQUEEN: OR LEE AND BEAUTY will be adapted for feature by Radar Pictures. Zach Helm (of STRANGER THAN FICTION) will pen the screenplay.

After a heated bidding war, Sony Pictures has won the rights to John August and Simón Estrada’s graphic novel WOLF’S BELLY, a fairytale retelling. August will adapt for the screen himself, and Alfonso Cuarón is attached to produce.

Chilean director Patricio Valladares is adapting Dante’s INFERNO with Italian film outfit Anxur and Ireland’s Skincrawl Studios. The adaptation will approach the work as a horror film. A cast is already attached.

Filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz (of IMELDA and A THOUSAND CUTS) will produce a documentary based on Alex Tizon’s 2017 Atlantic Magazine article MY FAMILY’S SLAVE. Lee Daniels optioned the article and is producing.

Danny Brocklehurst (of SHAMELESS) and Orchid Pictures are developing a six-part series based on the short stories of Roald Dahl. A star-studded cast is already attached.

Prime Video is developing a limited series based on Stephen King’s short story CROUCH END. Paul Tomalin (of BODIES) will write and Tom Shankland (of THE SERPENT) will direct.

Benjamin Stevenson’s dark comedy/murder mystery series EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE is being developed for TV by Amazon MGM studios. Penn Badgley (of YOU) will star.

Netflix is adapting Christina Lauren’s holiday rom-com IN A HOLIDAZE. It will be written and directed by Tiffany Paulsen (of WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL). A cast is already attached.

Paramount’s new genre-focused label Paramount Primal is adapting Nick Cutter’s horror thriller THE TROOP for feature. Chris Basler (who’s worked closely with Blumhouse) will write.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

The Adult Swim adaptation of Anthony Bourdain’s graphic novel GET JIRO is almost here! Watch the trailer!

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A fantasy adventure being pitched as ELLA ENCHANTED meets BALDUR’S GATE III

• A 90s-style rom-com being pitched as THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA meets YOU’VE GOT MAIL

• A gothic YA thriller following a girl attempting to avoid becoming a human sacrifice

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

Welcome to our At Work series! In this section of TIP, we’re expanding off our Buckslip series and having top producers, reps, scouts, and executives show us what projects out of publishing they think are best for the current film & TV market. Our goal is to help you become your office’s/writing group’s/department’s resident expert!

This week we’re joined by Adriana Martínez Barrón, the head of TV and Film at Stacy Abrams’ Sage Works Productions. Before her current position, Barrón was Vice President of Drama Development CBS Entertainment. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Film at Eva Longoria’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment where she executive produced Let’s Get Merried starring Michele Prada.

Barrón was also previously a Manager Latin American Original Series Netflix where she oversaw over 25 shows or movies that have premiered, including Luis Miguel, Como Caído del Cielo and Madre Solo Hay Dos. She was also a Creative Executive at Eugenio Derbez’s 3Pas Studios where she oversaw LOL: Mexico and Y Cómo es Él. Adriana graduated from the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC, and grew up in Monterrey, Mexico.

With such an expansive career, Barrón’s perspective is sharp and sure to give you a better sense of what’s working right now in a difficult entertainment ecosystem. We hope you’ll join us! 📝

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Hello again!

Happy Monday! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

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General Business Chitchat

For any horror buyers out there - Clive Barker is kickstarting a horror anthology series.

THR explores the process of adapting Marissa Stapley’s LUCKY for Apple TV.

See the list of everyone representing the Japanese IP market at TIFFCOM 2026.

Alex Aster, booktok star and author of LIGHTLARK, is writing BARBIE DREAMSCAPE, a YA novel based on the toy franchise.

THR also breaks down how the team behind the MAGIC FARAWAY TREE MOVIE successfully adapted an older book.

Newly Announced Projects

Amazon MGM is developing bestselling author Anna Todd’s HOUSE OF CROWNS, a YA drama following a student in an elite Swiss boarding school. Elinor Cook of BOYS OF TOMMEN will adapt.

Universal Global TV and prodco Thousand Voices is developing E.L. Westbury’s drama DROWNING IN PAPER FLOWERS. Marissa Jo Cerar (of BLACK CAKE) is adapting

Warner Bros. Pictures is apparently in talks for breakout literary star Allen Levi’s whimsical drama THEO OF GOLDEN. Tom Hanks is attached to (likely) star.

Prodco Lord Miller (producer of PROJECT HAIL MARY) is developing Forest Brazeal’s workplace sci-fi novel PARADOX, Inc. for Universal. Mathew Robinson (of THE LAST HOUSE) has written the script, and Daniel Roher (of upcoming TUNER) will direct.

Christian Kang Bachini is adapting his horror novel HAUNTING SKIES via Via Mantra productions. A cast has already been announced.

Director Daniel Peddle (of THE AGGRESSIVES) is developing Michael Sledge’s crime thriller COLD MOON RISING.

After a fierce bidding war, Sony and 3000 Pictures have acquired the rights to Annabel Monaghan’s hit summer romance DOLLY ALL THE TIME. Gemma Burgess (of MY LADY JANE) is set to adapt.

Monarch Media is adapting classic children’s book THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS. Kali Bailey (of A WEEK AWAY) will adapt.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

The upcoming adaptation of DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL officially has its showrunners!

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A romantic thriller between a WNBA star and an FBI agent

• A military sci-fi adventure following a fighter pilot

• A YA horror with a new take on the classic masked killer subgenre

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

Hope your week is going well! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

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General Business Chitchat

Deadline’s roundup of which Carley Fortune books are currently being adapted. A must read for lovers of beachside YA romances.

Southern US comic Kountry Wayne shares his experience in the world of micro dramas. Not our usual IP content, but we think this format is worth keeping an eye on.

Perfect example - Webtoon is developing a new slate of microdramas based on some of its most popular properties.

Also - new tech startup snips has partnered with Banijay Rights (of BIG BROTHER and MASTERCHEF) to develop vertical content.

The team behind the current adaptation of ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE reflects on the process of adapting such a revered classic.

Newly Announced Projects

See how this horror comedy hit out of New Zealand was developed from a podcast.

Victoria Wilder’s country thriller series BOURBON AND LIES is being developed at MGM TV by Sophia and Sylvester Stallone.

Producers Joe Roth (of FAST AND FURIOUS franchise) and Jeff Kirschenbaum (of ANYONE BUT YOU) are developing a feature based on the horror video game SCARY TEACHER. Cory Todd Hughes and Adrian Speckert will write.

Korean author Miye Lee’s Fantasy trilogy THE DALLERGUT DREAM DEPARTMENT STORE is being developed by Disney Live action for feature. Patrick Ness (of A MONSTER CALLS) will write the screenplay.

Marc Turtletaub will direct an adaptation of Ben Reeves’ critically acclaimed novel EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT. Oren Moverman will write, and a cast has already been selected.

Hulu is developing Gayle Forman’s YA romance JUST ONE DAY for series. Kathryn Newton (of BIG LITTLE LIES) will star.

Disney is adapting the KINGDOM HEARTS video game for series. The project was announced at D23, and creator Tetsuya Nomura and game developer Square Enix are on board to produce.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

The latest on Netflix’s adaptation of Lynne Painter’s romcom BETTER THAN THE MOVIES, and what romcoms the streamer has coming down the pipeline.

Release your inner middle schooler and take a look at these newly released images from Tencent Video’s adaptation of the WARRIOR CATS series.

The leads for the BBC’s adaptation of sci-fi romance THE MINISTRY OF TIME have been announced!! (Also apparently they decided to give the unnamed MC of the book an actual name? I guess there’s no getting around a name in a screen adaptation.)

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A major publishing sale that’s aiming to be a new HEATED RIVALRY

• A comedy pitched as ’the BLAZING SADDLES’ of the current romance market

• A locked room thriller that takes place on a commercial flight

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

Hope your week is going well! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

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General Business Chitchat

VIZ Media is partnering with the Gotham Group to develop its extensive library of manga and anime IP for live action.

THR explores what makes MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS work so well for adaptation.

It’s a slow week, so Deadline re-published their updated list of book adaptations coming to theaters in 2026.

And their list of adaptations coming to TV

Newly Announced Projects

ReelShort is adapting Cora Reilly’s BORN IN BLOOD MAFIA CHRONICLES for microdrama.

Netflix is developing Ali Hazelwood’s new adult sports romance DEEP END. Laura Kosan (of BUTCHER AND BLACKBIRD) will write, and 21 Laps and Unwell Productions will produce.

Disney+ has ordered a pilot named SPACESHIP EARTH based on the EPCOT ride. Jason Fuchs (of IT: WELCOME TO DERRY) and Michael Waldron (of LOKI) will write.

Run-A-Muck is developing Torrey Peters’ twisty psychological drama STAG DANCE for feature. No creative attachments have been announced yet.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

The trailer for the adaptation of literary darling THE SECRET LIVES OF BABA SEGI’S WIVES is here!

Deadline catalogs everything we know about the upcoming adaptation of YA summer drama THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT.

David E. Kelley and Matt Reeves’ adaptation of BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES will no longer be moving forward at Apple TV. The project is currently being shopped elsewhere.

HBO will co-produce the BBC’s adaptation of Ava Pickett’s stage play 1536, chronicling the lives of three working class Tudor women during the fall of Anne Boleyn.

More news on the upcoming adaptation of JANE EYRE!

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A fantasy comedy with a big ensemble

• A YA that explores a different side of THE ODYSSEY

• A literary family drama being hailed as the next LONG BRIGHT RIVER

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

Hope your week is going well! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

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7/29/26

A24 UK has optioned Josh Silver’s literary novel FRUIT FLY for TV

Take a peek at the development slate of Michelle Mendelovitz and Cory Bennett Lewis’ new prodco Warrior, which includes both original content and IP adaptations.

Paramount Pictures is developing Grady Hendrix’s trendy horror novel THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP for feature. Christopher Landon (of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY) is directing. The project was previously set up at HBO Max.

7/30/26

Sony Pictures and Olive Bridge Entertainment have brought on Josh Boone (of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS) to direct the adaptation of Lynn Painter’s bestselling romance FAKE SKATING.

Deadline is running its ‘Everything we know about the adaptation of Emily Henry’s BEACH READ’ article again.

7/31/26

Another Lynne Painter! Her other viral romance BETTER THAN THE MOVIES is in development at Netflix, and has added Beatrice Kitsos (of PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS) and David Iacono (of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH) as leads.

8/3/26

Japanese Broadcaster Wowow has greenlit an adaptation of Riku Onda’s popular mystery novel THE AOSAWA MURDERS.

20th Television is adapting Sheila Masterson’s dark romantasy THE POISON DAUGHTER. The search is currently on for a screenwriter!

Alongside the live action adaptation with Henry Cavill, Amazon MGM has greenlit and animated series based on the WARHAMMER franchise.

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A major sale from the YA market following students at an elite boarding school

• A romance that takes place in the country music scene

• Lots of horror novels about the importance of family!! 🙃

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Share

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Hello again!

Hope your week is going well! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting/writing group check in/catch-up with your rep! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

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It’s a slow week! Looks like everyone is on vacation already. Here’s our list of relevant news, plus some extras:

Sony Pictures has boarded Annapurna and Plan B’s adaptation of bestselling mystery thriller THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides. No attachments have been made yet.

Apple TV has acquired the rights to the upcoming PECULIAR STARS - a romantic drama from FOURTH WING author Rebecca Yarros.

Amazon Prime Video has greenlit Greg Berlanti’s adaptation of Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K Pérez’s horror-thriller graphic novel STILLWATER. Berlanti and Carly Wray (of THE CHAIN) will write.

MGM Television has acquired the rights to Sarah Adams’ romance novel WHEN IN ROME via Rebelle Media. No attachments have been named yet.

Netflix will adapt beloved Brazilian classic HAPPY OLD YEAR, an autobiographical novel by Marcelo Rubens, author of the acclaimed I’M STILL HERE.

After fierce competition, Universal Global Television has won the rights to Annie Jacobsen’s BIOLOGICAL WAR: A SCENARIO - a sci-fi novel described as ‘optimistic apocalyptic’. Littleton Road is attached to produce.

And to keep you up to date on all media markets:

Let’s keep up the good work!

Best,

TIP

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to the Weekend Read! If you’re new here - this is where we highlight underrated (and available!) IP that Hollywood buyers should be paying attention to.

This section is behind a a paywall now so we can focus on sharing IP that’s confirmed available for screen, but we’ll keep it redeemable for one free read. If you’re interested in more free content, please check out Last Week in IP or our Weekly Publishing Roundups (free when you sign up a friend!) Our previous Weekend Reads will also stay free.

Share

Subscribe now

I found this one on the recommendation of a real life editor, who cited it as an example of exactly what kind of fantasy is selling in the current publishing market. She wasn’t even at the publisher the book belonged to - when I spoke to the book’s actual editor, the cover was proudly displayed in their email signature, already the icebreaker before I even brought it up.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE has a well-earned, gold tier, your-favorite-artist’s-favorite-piece-of-media status among executives in both Publishing and Hollywood. Even when fantasy scares the buyers of the latter away with its high production costs, it brings them right back in with its beloved coming-of-age story and alluring romance. And I’ll bet anything those are two key words on your production slate.

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Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• Rejoice! More high-energy sports romances

• A horror thriller pitched as SANATORIUM meets SCREAM

• A narrative nonfiction following a dynasty of black ranchers seeking their fortune in Hawaii

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

Hope your Monday is going well! Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

Subscribe now

General Business Chitchat

This upcoming project involving a screenplay adapted to a vertical format should be an interesting bellwether.

Newly Announced Projects

Sony Pictures has acquired the action/thriller short story RENEGADES by sci-fi screenwriter Will Simmons. Simmons will adapt, and Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (of MAYDAY) will direct.

Disney+ is developing the comic book series AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla, based on the character from the original ARCHIE characters.

Gordon Korman’s rom-com novel SON OF THE MOB will be adapted for film by Red Sage Productions and Sun Distribution. Vince Marcello (of THE KISSING BOOTH) will direct.

The BBC is rolling out a star-studded adaptation of Henry James’ THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY.

In their first foray from audio into screen entertainment, Echoverse is adapting horror thriller GRIM DEATH AND BILL THE ELECTROCUTED CRIMINAL by Mike Mignola (of HELLBOY) and Thomas E. Sniegoski. Apparently Echoverse is considering both vertical and traditional paths.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

Skyshowtime has an upcoming show based on a true crime podcast.

Cast updates are in for the adaptation of Carley Fortune’s THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT!

Sony Pictures has acquired Sydney Sweeney’s adaptation of horror novel HOLLOW by Lindsey Anderson Beer.

Deadline has a first look at the adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s 1922 short story HERBERT WEST: REANIMATOR.

Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome to the Buckslip! In this new section of TIP, all-star buyers, sellers, scouts, and reps will give you a handy guide to the media rights market - helping you become your office’s/writing group’s/team’s resident expert. ⭐️

Since this is a new series and we want your feedback, we’ve decided to make this section free! Take a look at our earlier issues here.

This week we’re joined by Melisa Baloglu of Writ Large, a management and production company based in Los Angeles. Melisa lives in New York and bridges not only the East and West coasts, but book IP and screenwriting.

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First, we’d love to hear a little bit about how you got to where you are in your career!

Sometimes I really have no clue how I ended up here but am so grateful. I started in NY, moved to LA and have been lucky enough to come back to NY. I would say persistence and figuring out where you fit is the best way to stay in it.

In general, what genres/types of projects are you seeing succeed in the market right now?

I’ve felt super inspired by the fact that fresh voices seem to be doing well! I think genre wise people are responding to horror that feels unique which is good for all of us because then it leads to other genres.

What’s popular in publishing and what’s popular in film & TV have diverged slightly over the past few years - at least for certain genres. Why do you think that is?

I think sometimes something that works really well as a book doesn’t always translate to a 8-10 episode series or 2 hour movie. I don’t think that is a bad thing but just shows that what works in one medium doesn’t guarantee success in another.

Where do you think publishing and Hollywood are still on the same page?

I think they both still love what I like to call the book club mom genre which basically just means women solving crimes or mysteries. And I’m a fan of both the novels and shows/movies!

We’re curious to get a manager’s take on what big titles out of publishing may or may not do well in the current film and TV market. Let us know what you think of the below titles, and if there are any caveats you’d have before taking them on:

• A post-apocalyptic sci-fi pitched as a blend of a certain fantasy book that’s very popular with women and a certain sci-fi book that’s very popular with men. Has elements of dark romance and adventure.

  Seems like something people would buy, but would have to be a successful book.

• A decades-spanning, upmarket literary romance that seems to have a similar vibe to THE GOLDFINCH. Set in a decade of the recent past that’s been very popular lately.

  This one would be harder, but I think if you had the right auspices it would become VERY easy. I think of ONE DAY which is similar and people just love the book so either that or you get an exciting actress/actor.

• A memoir from a niche artist who has had a big but unsung impact in their field. The artist was present for several famous moments in their field’s history.

  This feels much harder these days.

• A cozy dark academia/romance. Very cutesy, and features a lot of popular romance tropes. Has some magic, but is not a super high fantasy.

  I would really need to know more about the plot!

• A multinational spy thriller with two leads, set within real events from 10 years ago.

  Everyone loves spy thrillers right now so as long as the two leads feel unique and you get the perfect package this one feels likely to sell.

• A comedic mystery that takes place in within a unique subculture. Has a single lead and a large supporting cast.

  This one feels fun but would need the right auspices or the book would need to be very successful to take out clean.

• A sports/workplace romance with two leads who work in different parts of that sport’s ecosystem. It is not gay, unfortunately.

  I’d really have to hear what the engine for the show/movie is.

Finally, do you personally have any dream projects that you’d like to see get developed for screen?

I dream of seeing someone figure out a way to make THE SILENT PATIENT a movie!

Thanks so much to Melisa for sitting down with us! We hope this will be a handy guide for readers, writers, and producers looking to make sense of a crazy market.

Have a great weekend!

Best,

TIP

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Questions, comments, gossip? Please email intellectual.proprietor@fastmail.com!

Hello again!

Welcome back to our weekly publishing roundup! This is where we highlight newly announced books (with excellent screen potential!) that Hollywood buyers and producers should be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few that we’re especially excited about:

• A YA romance in the vein of YOUR NAME

• A mystery involving a stalker whose exploits go sideways

• A horror mystery following a woman who falls into a lactation cult

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best,

TIP

Share

Subscribe now

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Hello again!

How is your week shaping up? Stay sharp with our roundup of all the latest IP/media rights-related news. The best and quickest way to make sure you’re ready for every staff meeting! 📝

Consider subscribing for more in-depth market coverage, including our publishing announcement roundups, weekend read recs, and deep dives on different genres and emerging markets.

Best,

TIP

Share

Subscribe now

General Business Chitchat

Spanish/American studio Espotlight will partner with Webtoon to adapt Spanish language Wattpad/Webtoon projects for screen, via Sony Pictures International.

Newly Announced Projects

Apple has greenlit a TV series based on Mikita Brottman’s true crime thriller GUILTY CREATURES SEX, GOD, AND MURDER IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA. Julia Garner (of OZARK) will star and EP, Craig Gillespe (of YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS) will direct, and Stuart Zicherman (of THE AMERICANS) will showrun.

Amazon MGM Studios is developing James Byrne’s conspiracy thriller DEADLOCK for feature. Mathew Michael Carnahan (of MOSUL) is directing, and Di Bonaventura Pictures is producing.

Spooky Pictures and Image Nation are expanding their found footage horror franchise V/H/S with V/H/S: SCP, based on The SCP Foundation: a collaborative, multimedia horror storytelling project that’s lived on the internet for almost two decades. (Popular novel THERE IS NO ANTIMEMETIC DIVISION by qntm comes from SCP)

Bestselling novelist Kennedy Ryan’s short story PAWN, a romantic drama, will be at the top of Juvee’s development slate as they begin their new overall deal with Universal Global Television.

Liz Meriwether (of NEW GIRL) is writing a screenplay based on Britney Spears’ memoir THE WOMAN IN ME for Universal. Marc Platt is producing and Jon M. Chu will direct.

New production company Magic Hour Entertainment is developing Christina Lauren’s romance novel LOVE AND OTHER WORDS.

Focus Features has optioned John Langan’s Bram Stoker Award-winning horror novel THE FISHERMAN. David Lowery (of MOTHER MARY) will direct and co-write the script with Alex Ross Parry.

Jessica Knoll’s new thriller HELPLESS will be developed for series by Universal Global Television. The author will adapt, and Stacy Sher is attached to produce.

Stuart Gibbs’ children’s series SPY SCHOOL is in development for TV at Disney+, with Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort. Chris Fedak (of CHUCK) is writing.

Shortly after the sale of his viral horror concept SIREN HEAD (do we capitalize titles of concepts?) to Warner Bros., Trevor Henderson has optioned another horror concept - CARTOON CAT - to TriStar Pictures.

Nordic Noir enthusiasts rejoice - Lilja Sigurðardóttir’s AN ÁRÓRA INVESTIGATION is being adapted for series by a joint German and Icelandic team.

Updates on Ongoing Projects

FOURTH WING is a board game now. Fair enough.

Salman Rushdie gives an update on active adaptations of his books.

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